IE20150202A1 - Elasticated device for securing a refuse bin lid - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention comprises a means for securing the lid of a wheelie refuse bin in the closed position, and against its internal contents, the weather or foraging animals, by means of elastic lengths which can be stretched over the lid of the bin preventing its lifting.

Description

Elasticated device for securing refuse bin lid.

Field of invention The present invention relates to elasticated devices for securing refuse bin lids.

Background It is common nowadays for bin users to find that their bin is filled to capacity, often some time before collection is due. This leads to the problem where the contents of the bin prevent the bin lid from sitting fully closed over the bin chamber. Other problems that might arise include extreme weather events either lifting the bin lid, or knocking the bin over, allowing the contents of the bin to be spilled onto the ground. Another problem arises where the contents of the bin attract animals who may attempt to gain entry to the bin and its contents.

For these reasons there is an increasing need for means to ensure that the lid of refuse bins stay shut when the bin is standing unsupervised. The following invention describes a means to secure the bin lid and prevent the problems outlined above from arising.

Summary of the Invention According to the invention there is therefore provided an elasticated device for securing a bin lid.

The device comprises four securing means, each one attached to one end of one of two elastic lengths that intersect at their midpoint and held in place by a holding means to orient the elastic lengths in the direction of the bin corners. At the end of each elastic band there is a plastic clasp which affixes to the hinge/handles at the back and to the front lip of the bin, forward of the edge of the bin lid.

In one embodiment, the elastic lengths are fashioned from bungee cord.

In one embodiment, the securing means for attaching to the rear of the bin comprise a loop of deformable plastic, said loop being split once perpendicularly to its circumference.

In one embodiment, the securing means for attaching to the front of the bin comprise substantially hook shaped members, which can hook under the ridge of the front lip of the bin.

In one embodiment, the holding means comprises a set of channels through which the elastic lengths are threaded crosswise to orient them.

Brief description of drawings The present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of an example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is an overhead view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention; Figure 2 depicts a securing means for the rear of the bin; Figure 3 depicts a securing means for the front of the bin; Figures 4a and 4b show an example of a holding means for orienting the elastic lengths in underside view (4a) and side view (4b); Figure 5 depicts a top view of a typical refuse bin with the lid secured by means of the invention; Figure 6 depicts a side view of a typical refuse bin with the lid secured by means of the invention; and Figure 7 depicts a front view of a typical refuse bin with the lid secured by means of the invention.

Detailed description Referring to Fig 1, this depicts the basic design of the invention, wherein a pair of elastic cords (1) are fixed at each end with securing means to attach the cords to the rear of the bin (2) and the front of the bin (3). The cords are connected and oriented by means of a central piece (4) through which the cords have been threaded. Referring now to Fig 4, the cords are directed by means of at least four directing elements (5) attached to the base of the piece, through which the cords are threaded. Optionally a fifth directing element (6) may be included, to protect the cords from rubbing against each other, which might otherwise lead to one or other of the cords eventually failing. The piece may further comprise means for adjusting the tension of the cords. Such means may include, for instance, a reel, which gathers the elastic when twisted, such that less elastic is available for reaching to the corners of the bin.

It will be clear from the orienting means that the cords are intended to emanate from the central piece so as to point toward the four corners of the top of the bin. This ensures that the invention is easily deployed, and that the elastic cords will sit in a manner which is both convenient and most efficient to the task to which they are put.

Referring now to Fig 2, this depicts the securing means for the rear of the bin. The means comprises a deformable plastic loop, split at one point along its circumference. Each loop is placed over one of the rear handles of the bin (which acts as a hinge for most bin lids), one at either end. The loops encompass the handle, and rigid struts for securing the bin lid prevent the loops from sliding to the centre of the handle.

Referring now to Fig 3, this depicts the securing means at the front of the bin. These are in the form of hooks which reach over the bin lid edge, and over the front edge of the bin itself, grasping the bin under the ledge which forms the upper front of the bin. Struts under the ledge, which enhance the rigidity of the bin, prevent the hooks from sliding to the centre of the front edge. The hooks may, where desired, be tailored to the specific design of the front of a given bin, to maximise their effect The front securing means, being easily hooked and unhooked, allow the bin user easy access to the bin chamber. The rear securing means, however, are more securely fastened, to prevent the invention from detaching from the bin and causing a nuisance. However, where a user wishes to remove the device, for instance, to deploy it on another bin, the deformable loops allow the device to be removed.

The device, being elastic, is designed to secure the lid in a closed position, even when the bin is filled to or a little beyond capacity. It also serves to keep the lid closed in bad weather conditions, when the bin might be toppled by strong winds, and also when animals try to access the contents of the bin. is Where necessary due to bin configuration or load, the device may comprise further cords and securing means to latch or grip the bin and the sides or otherwise as necessary.

Claims (8)

Claims

1. A device for securing the lid of a wheelie refuse bin in a closed position, the device comprising four securing means, each one attached to one end of one of two elastic lengths that intersect at their midpoint and are held in place by a holding means to orient the elastic lengths in the direction of the bin corners, characterised by there being at one end of each elastic band a plastic clasp which affixes to the hinge/handles at the back of the bin, and at the other end, a hook which affixes to the front lip of the bin, forward of the edge of the bin lid.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic lengths are fashioned from bungee cord.

3. The device according to either if claims 1 or 2, wherein each securing means for attaching to the rear of the bin comprises a loop of substantially rigid, but deformable, plastic, said loop being split once, perpendicularly to its circumference.

4. The device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein each securing means for attaching to the front of the bin comprises a substantially hook shaped member, which can hook under a ridge at the front lip of the bin. Ί

5. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the holding means comprises a set of channels through which the elastic lengths are threaded to orient them. 5

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the elastic lengths are threaded crosswise.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein a channel at the crossing point of the two elastic lengths prevents the lengths io from rubbing against each other.

8. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein means to accommodate other elastic lengths and gripping means are also incorporated.